IN THE DITCH AGAIN!

IN THE DITCH AGAIN!

Matt 26:73-75

73 And after a while came unto him they that stood by, and said to Peter, Surely thou also art one of them; for thy speech bewrayeth thee.

74 Then began he to curse and to swear, saying, I know not the man. And immediately the cock crew.

75 And Peter remembered the word of Jesus, which said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. And he went out, and wept bitterly.

          The rooster announced Peter’s denial and brought to mind the prophecy of the One he had just denied. Peter was wounded in his conscience and pained by self condemnation. He left the enemy’s fire and had a cleansing cry.

What should we do when the rooster crows for us? How should we handle the occasions when sin so easily besets us? Let me suggest three urgent things.

1. REPENT — CONFESS!

1 John 1:9

9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

2. RECEIVE THE GIFT OF GRACE!

Ps 130:3-4

3 If thou, LORD, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand?

4 But there is forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared.

Rom 8:1

8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

3. RESUME – START AGAIN!

Prov 24:16a

16 For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again.

Ps 37:23-24

23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.

24 Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.

          Saint Francis, a seventh century believer said this about his failures. “Well, my pour soul, here we are in the ditch again – in spite of our earnest resolve to stay out of it. Ah well, let us get out and be on our way; and we will do well enough, God helping us.”

Dear Lord, I often find myself in that familiar ditch. Let me confess my sin, receive your grace and start again. AMEN